Diatomaceous earth has gained popularity as a versatile and effective natural pest control solution. Derived from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae, this fine powder boasts a range of applications and benefits. However, to fully harness its potential and ensure safe usage, it’s essential to understand its properties, uses, and precautions.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about diatomaceous earth for pest control. We’ll start by distinguishing between the two main types of diatomaceous earth and delve into its four primary residential uses. You’ll discover the top three reasons why diatomaceous earth is considered a powerful tool against pests and learn about the basic safety measures necessary to handle it responsibly.
Next, we’ll provide five practical application tips to maximize its effectiveness, followed by an overview of the top four pests diatomaceous earth can combat. While diatomaceous earth offers numerous benefits, it also comes with certain serious concerns that you should be aware of before use. To address these, we’ll outline the top four precautionary measures to take during application.
Additionally, we’ll share three little-known facts about diatomaceous earth, enhancing your knowledge and appreciation of this natural product. Finally, we’ll answer 42 frequently asked questions to address any lingering doubts or inquiries you might have.
Join us on this informative journey to become well-versed in the safe and effective use of diatomaceous earth for pest control, ensuring a pest-free and environmentally friendly home.
For any immediate questions regarding pest control at your home, contact the pros at Done Right Pest Solutions: 651-342-9489.
Table of Contents
- 2 Types of Diatomaceous Earth
- 4 Main Residential Uses of Diatomaceous Earth
- Top 3 Reasons Why Diatomaceous Earth is Considered Effective Pest Control
- 2 Basic Safety Measures with Diatomaceous Earth
- 5 Diatomaceous Earth Application Tips
- Top 4 Pests Diatomaceous Earth is Effective Against
- 8 Serious Concerns to Consider Before Use of Diatomaceous Earth
- Top 4 Precautionary Measures You Can Take When Applying Diatomaceous Earth
- 3 Little Known Facts About Diatomaceous Earth
- 42 Frequently Asked Questions About Diatomaceous Earth
- Conclusion and Next Steps
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring element in nature. It is soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be crumbled into a fine, white-ish powder. It can also come from fossilized diatoms, which are hard-shelled micro-algae, which have sucked silica out of the water making their fossils siliceous as well. So if you’re wondering where diatomaceous earth is found, it is found in nature.
2 Types of Diatomaceous Earth
There are two types of diatomaceous earth: food-grade and industrial-grade.
While industrial-grade diatomaceous earth is used in filtration, abrasives, and pest control, it is not safe for consumption.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is noted as safe for both human and animal consumption, and is often used in food storage and agriculture. Some medical sites suggest that it helps with constipation or other digestive issues. It is best to consult a medical professional prior to taking any supplements such as diatomaceous earth.
While food-grade diatomaceous earth is considered safe for consumption and handling, it is important to avoid inhaling the fine dust, as it can irritate the lungs. Industrial-grade diatomaceous earth should be handled with care and used only for its intended purposes.
If you’re wondering how to use food-grade diatomaceous earth for pest control or how much diatomaceous earth for pest control, keep reading on, or jump ahead to our section 5 Diatomaceous Earth Application Tips. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the best option if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control.
4 Main Residential Uses of Diatomaceous Earth
There are four main residential uses of diatomaceous earth: food storage, health supplement, gardening, and pest control.
Food Storage: Because food-grade diatomaceous earth helps keep products dry and simultaneously can kill insects, it can be mixed with bulk dry storage of grains and legumes, for example, to prevent stored product pest infestations.
Health Supplement: Some people consume food-grade diatomaceous earth as a dietary supplement, claiming benefits such as improved digestion, detoxification, and enhanced skin, hair, and nail health. Again, we would recommend discussing health items with your doctor or medical professional.
Gardening: Diatomaceous earth can be used in gardens, especially food gardens. It benefits the soil condition in improving its structure and retaining moisture. It can also be helpful in killing some unwanted garden pests.
Due to folks’ limited knowledge of diatomaceous earth, we typically only recommend the use of diatomaceous earth as pest control in the yard or garden. Because it can cause respiratory issues and other conditions, we never recommend indoor use of diatomaceous earth as a pest control method.
However, diatomaceous earth for pest control as a natural insecticide is widely searched online and used fairly willy-nilly in our experience. Many will go overboard in the amount needed or don’t end up treating in the right area. Several develop rashes or respiratory conditions from using diatomaceous earth for bed bug control, or from using diatomaceous earth for flea control, or from using diatomaceous earth for mite control.
Pest Control: That said, the science behind using diatomaceous earth for pest control is that while it feels like sand or dirt to us, the tiny particles and grains of diatomaceous earth are actually jagged to tiny insects and so it cuts the insects, absorbs the oils and fats from their exoskeletons, which in turn causes them to dehydrate and die.
If you are wondering how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control: the short answer is, it is difficult. The longer answer is: diatomaceous earth is not a repellent or a bait, so it would skillfully need to be placed where insects are already traveling. Because insects have behavioral patterns that the common homeowner is not familiar with, it is always recommended to first have a discussion with a licensed and professional pest control expert.
Overall, diatomaceous earth is a versatile and eco-friendly product with a wide range of applications in pest control for gardens and yards, agriculture, and health.
Want an effortless solution? Let us take care of your pest control needs, Done Right.
Talk to a pro today. We want to save you stress and trouble. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of time and a lot of money on a pest control issue to no resolution. We will be open and honest with you and let you know if it’s something you could handle on your own.
Otherwise, our services always have warranties.
Top 3 Reasons Why Diatomaceous Earth is Considered Effective Pest Control
Diatomaceous earth’s natural physical properties are unique in that it is soft to the human touch, but dangerous to itty bitty insects. The top three reasons why diatomaceous earth is considered effective pest control is due to physical abrasion, desiccation, and mechanical action. If you are wondering how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control or how diatomaceous earth kills bugs, this is the ‘how it works’ segment.
Physical Abrasion: Diatomaceous earth is composed of tiny, sharp-edged particles. When insects crawl over the diatomaceous earth, these microscopic edges abrade their exoskeletons, which are the hard, protective outer layers of their bodies.
Desiccation: The sharp particles of diatomaceous earth also absorb the oils and fats from the insect’s exoskeleton. This action leads to the drying out, or desiccation, of the insect. Without these essential oils and fats, the insect loses its ability to retain moisture.
Mechanical Action: Chemical pesticides work well and are designed to attack insects’ nervous, immune, or other systems. Chemical pesticides always have to adapt over the years as it is possible for insects to slowly develop resistance to it.
Because diatomaceous earth is not a chemical, and because it is sharp and causes physical abrasion to the insects, insects cannot develop a resistance to diatomaceous earth. The physical nature of its action ensures that it remains effective over time.
2 Basic Safety Measures with Diatomaceous Earth
Inhalation: Avoid inhaling any diatomaceous earth dust. Diatomaceous earth, as described above, is basically microscopic shards of glass. As such, this can be very damaging to your respiratory system. It is highly recommended to use a quality mask or respirator while applicating diatomaceous earth.
Use food-grade quality: In the first segment of this guide on diatomaceous earth, we discussed the difference between food-grade and industrial-grade diatomaceous earth. For residential use, only use food-grade diatomaceous earth. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the best option if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control.
I never recommend using diatomaceous earth inside the house because air conditioning systems can kick it up into the air and there is the constant risk of respiratory infection and issues with diatomaceous earth.
If you have pets or children, again, I would never recommend using diatomaceous earth inside the house. Pets have a tendency to lead with their noses and sniff around and we wouldn’t want them to have their airways clogged or have respiratory issues or infection either. They are our furry family.
5 Diatomaceous Earth Application Tips
Diatomaceous earth is widely approved for some crazy pest control strategies among homeowners, property managers, tenants, etc., when in reality, it is important to study up on all of the benefits and drawbacks associated with the product prior to use. When people hear the word “natural” they automatically think it is 100% safe, but too much of a good thing, overuse of a good thing, or incorrect use of a good thing, makes it no longer a good thing or 100% safe.
If you are wondering how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control or how to apply diatomaceous earth for pest control, check out these 5 diatomaceous earth application tips:
- Only apply in dry environments. Diatomaceous earth can is most effective in dry environments. Moisture, like rain, can reduce its efficacy.
- Treat outside the house. As long as it’s dry out, diatomaceous earth can be an effective pest control method to use outside. It is naturally occurring in nature outside, afterall, anyways.
- If it rains, reapply. The trouble with natural products is the necessity to reapply upon weather and general time. If ever you are using peppermint oil to repel mice (link), vinegar to repel ants (link), or dawn dish soap and water to repel fall invading pests (link), these products need reapplication with weather and time. Diatomaceous earth is the same.
- Treat the cracks and crevices. Diatomaceous earth is typically best used in small quantities. And if you must use it in the house, I would only recommend outdoor treatment, apply it to cracks and crevices only where air circulation is so minimal or virtually non-existent. Plus, pests can squeeze in cracks and crevices, so it serves as a double benefit.
- Use small amounts. A light dusting is sufficient. A heavy application is not only unnecessary, it can cause skin reactions and respiratory issues and infection.
If you are wondering how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control indoors, I typically do not recommend it, because the majority of the time people overuse and it negatively affects them and does not get rid of the pests. If you must use diatomaceous earth for pest control indoors, I would only recommend a tiny amount in the cracks and crevices where insects would come out from the walls.
Photo showing an opened bag of food-grade diatomaceous earth. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the best option if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control.
Photo of applied diatomaceous earth indicated by the green circle. A little goes a long way. Using just a little is the key if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control.
Top 4 Pests Diatomaceous Earth is Effective Against
If you are wondering what pest does diatomaceous earth kill or what kind of insects does diatomaceous earth kill, the answer is: there are 4 main categories of pests we could ever recommend diatomaceous earth for.
The package may say that diatomaceous earth kills a number of insects though. It is true that diatomaceous earth may kill many types of insects, but most infestations have a source and diatomaceous earth will not kill the source.
Therefore, we have developed a list of the top 4 pests diatomaceous earth is effective against.
- Chiggers in the yard
- Fleas outside
- Anthills
- Garden pests
Chiggers in the yard: If you are looking for a great article on how to treat and prevent chiggers in your yard, we suggest ours. It does describe how we would treat chiggers, but chiggers are so tiny, they can be difficult to treat with chemical product, unless effectively employed by a competent pest control technician.
Chiggers can easily be controlled and prevented by using diatomaceous earth in your yard. Simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your whole yard when it is hot and dry and it will knock down the chigger populations and can even eradicate chigger populations. Keep in mind that you will need to reapply after each rain event.
If you bring chiggers into the house with you, do not fear, they will die off in a couple of hours without their natural environment!
Fleas outside: If you have wildlife like deer, possums, and raccoons, that occasion your yard, they can bring fleas to your yard. That said, fleas do like taller grasses, so if you keep your yard cut, this will help in the fight against fleas as well.
If you have fleas inside, I’d recommend checking out our article on Expert Advice on Flea Control. Otherwise, do not use diatomaceous earth on the inside for fleas. Simply vacuum several times per day for a couple of weeks, and this is the most natural treatment available.
Anthills: Sprinkling some diatomaceous earth over anthills and ant nests can be a great way to kill off their colonies. It will not kill them all off, as the queen typically stays underground, but it will help kill off hundreds of worker ants, which would over time kill off the queen if she has no food. Keep in mind, like other yard treatments, this would need to be done after each rain event.
Garden Pests: Because food-grade diatomaceous earth can be ingested, there is no threat against it for using it in food gardens and herb gardens. It can certainly be used in flower gardens as well. From ants to earwigs, to any pests that can eat your crops.
If you’re wondering how much diatomaceous earth for plants, you can add diatomaceous earth to the soil as there are properties that plants may like, but for the sake of pest control, we are only talking about garden pests. If you have fungus gnats hatching in the soil of your plants or potted plants, you can sprinkle a thin layer over the soil at the base of the plant to help kill off the fungus gnats.
Overall, diatomaceous earth provides an eco-friendly, non-toxic solution for managing a variety of yard pests, utilizing its unique physical properties to effectively control and eliminate insects that come into contact with it.
If you are wondering how to use diatomaceous earth for pest control in garden or how much diatomaceous earth for plants, the answer may vary based on the plant and the pest issue you are dealing with. It is always best to contact a pro prior to application: 651-342-9489.
Want an effortless solution? Let us take care of your pest control needs, Done Right.
Talk to a pro today. We want to save you stress and trouble. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of time and a lot of money on a pest control issue to no resolution. We will be open and honest with you and let you know if it’s something you could handle on your own.
Otherwise, our services always have warranties.
8 Serious Concerns to Consider Before Use of Diatomaceous Earth
While diatomaceous earth is generally considered safe for use in various applications, it does have some potential negative side effects, particularly when not handled properly. Here are some of the main concerns.
Respiratory irritation, issues, and disease.
There is always an inhalation risk of breathing in diatomaceous earth. The dust can irritate nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Moreover, breathing in high levels of diatomaceous earth may lead to more and more serious respiratory issues, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions already, like asthma.
A more serious concern is a disease called silicosis. While food-grade diatomaceous earth contains very low levels of crystalline silica, prolonged exposure to especially the industrial-grade diatomaceous earth, which can contain higher levels of crystalline silica, can lead to silicosis. Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust.
Skin and eye irritation and issues.
Diatomaceous earth can cause dryness and irritation if it comes into contact with skin for extended periods.
If diatomaceous earth gets into contact with eyes, it can cause irritation and discomfort. If this happens, individuals are advised to rinse out their eyes for several minutes. It is advised to wear protective eyewear during application.
Dryness and dehydration issues.
Diatomaceous earth is designed to dehydrate things, and this means skin, eyes, and any other things it comes into contact with. Diatomaceous earth’s desiccating properties can lead to dryness in the skin and mucous membranes if there is significant contact.
Environmental Concerns.
Light sprinkling applications are always advised. Diatomaceous earth is sharp and abrasive to little insects, this includes the ones we like and the ones we do like, like honeybees. So be careful where you are placing it and how much you are applying.
Digestion issues.
Please be aware of the difference in food-grade and industrial-grade diatomaceous earth. Only food-grade diatomaceous earth is labeled safe for consumption by humans and animals. If you ingest industrial-grade diatomaceous earth, it can be harmful to your digestive system and overall health due to the higher levels of crystalline silica and other impurities.
Pets’ health issues.
If you have pets, be extra cautious where you apply diatomaceous earth. This is a reason I never recommend indoor application of diatomaceous earth: because pets are low to the ground and are often curious, smelling everywhere they go. If pets, especially if they have respiratory conditions, breathe in diatomaceous earth they can get damaged lungs and nasal cavities just like we can.
Top 4 Precautionary Measures You Can Take When Applying Diatomaceous Earth
There is an endless list of things to do in this life to take care of, but none more important than your health. Here is a list of 4 precautionary measures you can take when applying diatomaceous earth to help keep your health, your kids’ health, and your pets’ health.
- Wear protective gear. Be prepared of the adverse affects of diatomaceous earth and plan accordingly. Use a mask or respirator and wear protective eyewear and gloves when applying diatomaceous earth to prevent inhalation, eye contact, and prolonged skin exposure.
- Apply carefully. Knowing the warning signs and the best places to apply diatomaceous earth can help immensely when using diatomaceous earth. Knowing that using too much can cause issues and not help your pest situation anymore, will help you use the correct amount. Knowledge is power. For the best results, use a puffer or an applicator for the best, most targeted application.
- Keep out of reach of kids and pets. For kids and pets, I pretty much never recommend self-treatment when it comes to pest issues. You simply want to make sure to use quality products that are widely tested and approved and certified safe. I would absolutely suggest storing the diatomaceous earth in a cool, dark place and in a secured storage container, so kids and pets cannot come into contact with it.
- Be careful with ventilation. If you do use diatomaceous earth on the inside of your home (though I wouldn’t recommend it), make sure it is in a place where the fan, A/C, or heater aren’t going to kick it up into the air. You need to make sure to just treat the cracks and crevices to do the trick!
By taking appropriate precautions, the potential negative side effects of diatomaceous earth can be minimized, allowing for safe and effective use in pest control and other applications.
3 Little Known Facts About Diatomaceous Earth
- It is not harmful to fish or birds. The silicon dioxide found in diatomaceous earth can play an essential role in keeping chickens’ bones strong and many use it as a supplementary item to their chickens’ diet. Get Strong Animals ensures diatomaceous earth does not harm her chickens at all either!
- It can be known to increase the risk of lung cancer. In a lab study, mice that were forced to breathe in diatomaceous earth saw an increase in lung cancer. This is why I always advise folks to use the utmost caution when applying any sort of pesticides or DIY/natural products themselves.
- It does not increase the amount of silica found in the body. In a study the silica of the diatomaceous earth ingested was present in waste and not absorbed into the body. This has nothing to do with pest control; I just thought it was interesting. Still, be careful upon application. You can learn more, if you like, at National Pesticide Information Center.
Want an effortless solution? Let us take care of your pest control needs, Done Right.
Talk to a pro today. We want to save you stress and trouble. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of time and a lot of money on a pest control issue to no resolution. We will be open and honest with you and let you know if it’s something you could handle on your own.
Otherwise, our services always have warranties.
42 Frequently Asked Questions About Diatomaceous Earth
Here is a list of question and answer of 42 of the most googled questions regarding diatomaceous earth!
Check out our section on 4 Precautionary Measures You Can Take When Applying Diatomaceous Earth above, but the short answer is: Wear protective gear; Apply carefully; Keep out of reach of kids and pets; and be careful of ventilation.
If no weather or liquid inactivates it, it will stay active until you clean it up (if applied inside a structure), or until it rains (when applied outside).
No, diatomaceous earth doesn’t go bad. It has been around for thousands and thousands of years or more! However, there most likely is an expiration date on the package due to your country’s laws regulating any sort of food/medical product, etc.
Yes, you only need a little bit of diatomaceous earth dusted over the foundation of your home to do the trick. If too much is used, it can cause respiratory issues, eye issues, skin issues, and more. Check out our section on 8 Serious Concerns to Consider Before Use of Diatomaceous Earth above.
As long as it is applied carefully and conservatively in cracks and crevices described above, then yes, it is safe to be in a room with diatomaceous earth. If piles of diatomaceous earth are spread around and it enters the air/ventilation system, it can be hazardous to your respiratory system.
I would highly recommend wearing protective gear when using diatomaceous earth: this includes mask or respirator, glasses or goggles, and gloves.
Most packages or other sites will list many pests including bed bugs, fleas, ants, etc. We recommend only outdoor use of diatomaceous earth due to the risks associated and mistakes in application causing other issues aside from pest issues. We recommend diatomaceous earth only for treatment of chiggers in the yard, fleas outside, anthills, and garden pests.
The short answer is several weeks to a couple of months. Each pest issues varies, and that’s why it is important to talk to a professional pest control expert. A lot of pests like bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, and other insects have cycles and habits that the average person doesn’t know about.
Self-treatment of these pest issues can take months, so if you must use diatomaceous earth for your indoor pest control, I’d recommend treatment about every 2 weeks, and you’re welcome to vacuum it up prior to reapplication.
If you’re thinking of using diatomaceous earth to treat a pest issue, call our office now to talk to an expert for free: 651-342-9489. Make sure it’s a good idea!
Diatomaceous earth becomes inactive. It is designed to absorb moisture, which is how it works in pest control. It is abrasive and cuts the bugs as they walk over top of it, but then it drains the bugs of its vital fluids and absorbs them. If a lot of water gets on the treatment area, diatomaceous earth becomes inactive. The diatomaceous earth we buy at the store has been processed, so it is most likely not reusable.
Yes, you can sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the outside of your house! It is a great preventative pest control method for creepy crawlies that may try to enter your home. As stated previously, we never recommend interior use of diatomaceous earth.
Professional exterminators typically use commercial-grade, tested, approved, and certified products that are safe for residential homes. Most over-the-counter products are not as widely tested and improved upon. Furthermore, most chemical compound products are concentrated and mixed with water. Diatomaceous earth would negate the effects of the chemical treatment.
No, diatomaceous earth cannot grow mold. Diatomaceous earth is designed to absorb moisture, therefore it would not grow mold.
Check out our section on 4 Precautionary Measures You Can Take When Applying Diatomaceous Earth above, but the short answer is: Wear protective gear; Apply carefully; Keep out of reach of kids and pets; and be careful of ventilation.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the best option if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control.
Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. If you’re wondering about self-treating bed bugs, give us a call and we could go into detail about the copious amount of work you could do to get rid of bed bugs. Or, you could hire us and we can get rid of them in about 2 weeks, sometimes more, sometimes less. 651-342-9489.
There are 2 kinds of diatomaceous earth: food-grade and industrial-grade. I would only ever recommend use of food-grade diatomaceous earth around a residential home. Learn more about the 2 Types of Diatomaceous Earth in this section above.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the best option if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control.
Absolutely, yes you can! And people do all the time. It is vital to lightly sprinkle diatomaceous earth upon application and only apply to cracks and crevices and where pests are hiding.
We see it all the time. It’s why we generally ask if people have tried treating for pest issues they call in about. Because diatomaceous earth negates the treatment we would do, we always ask people to clean it up prior to our arrival.
But more than that, there are several skin and respiratory issues that can arise from overuse of diatomaceous earth. Learn more in our section on Serious Concerns.
Side effects of getting diatomaceous earth on your skin are burning, itching, redness. Side effects of getting it in your eyes or lungs is the same. Diatomaceous earth is abrasive and therefore can cut itty bitty insects and irritates our systems, like nasal and respiratory systems. Learn more in our section on Serious Concerns.
A good alternative to diatomaceous earth for bugs is Done Right Pest Solutions’ Bed Bug Service! Our expert technicians are skilled in eradicating bed bugs, fleas, ants, and more in a short amount of time. We require absolutely no prep work for any of our services, and we have warranties for all of our services. If you buy diatomaceous earth at the store for your pests, you aren’t going to get any guarantee or warranty that they will go away.
You can touch diatomaceous earth with bare hands. I recommend wearing protective gear when applying it around the outside of your home or garden because I know the precautionary methods and the issues associated with it. If it gets breathed in, in your eyes, or touched on the skin for too long, it can cause irritation and other issues.
If you have sensitivities to fabrics, scents, allergens, I would highly recommend use of protective gear. Or, just call a pest control company to solve your pest issues! 651-342-9489.
Typically diatomaceous earth feels like sand to our touch. It is microscopic so itty bitty insects can feel sharp, jagged pieces, while we feel sand. But remember, food-grade diatomaceous earth is the best option if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control.
While it is safe to vacuum up diatomaceous earth, I would recommend wearing protective gear while doing this as well, as it can waft into the air and irritate and infect lungs.
Diatomaceous earth lasts until it doesn’t last any more. It has been around for thousands and thousands of years or more. So unless it comes into contact with liquid (inside), cleaned up (inside), or it rains (outside), then it will become inactive.
Diatomaceous earth may not be killing your ants if they aren’t walking over top of the diatomaceous earth. This is why it is important to know pest behavior and habits prior to application of any pest control or natural product. Contact a professional today at 651-342-9489.
If you are wondering how much diatomaceous earth for ants or to use for ants, the answer is that it depends on the type of ant, where you are seeing ants, and where the satellite colony is located. If you are trying to use diatomaceous earth for carpenter ants, you should call us today, because carpenter ants can be very destructive, and a chemical solution is the best way to eradicate these pests.
No insects are repelled by diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is not a repellent. It simply looks like dirt, but it is abrasive and cuts them open. Then, the absorbent properties absorb their fats, oils, and other fluids so they dehydrate and die.
Yes, it is harmful to breathe diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth can irritate the lungs. If your lungs are already compromised, it can cause illness or infection. In some cases, prolonged exposure can cause a disease called silicosis. Read more in our section above called 8 Serious Concerns to Consider Before Use of Diatomaceous Earth.
If you’re wondering how often to apply diatomaceous earth for bed bugs, you should not apply diatomaceous earth for bed bugs. You should call a professional exterminator to use a qualified chemical product to eradicate bed bugs.
Self-treatment of bed bugs using diatomaceous earth can take several weeks to several months or more to get rid of bed bugs, best-case-scenario. This adds extra stress and trauma to an already traumatic situation.
The diatomaceous earth would need to be applied in all the right areas, and they would have to walk over top of it. In order to do this, most folks don’t have the expertise to eradicate bed bugs on their own.
If you’re wondering where you can buy diatomaceous earth for bed bugs, I would NOT recommend it. If you are wondering which diatomaceous earth for bed bugs or which diatomaceous earth is best for bed bugs, I would NOT recommend diatomaceous earth for bed bugs. It greatly lengthens the eradication process to months, and that’s if you have any success in self-treatment. We can get rid of bed bugs in 2 weeks, typically.
Rinse out your eyes immediately and rinse them out for a couple of minutes. If any irritation or anything persists, consult an eye doctor. Diatomaceous earth is an abrasive, so you wouldn’t want to cut up your eye.
Diatomaceous earth is placed on the ground, at best. Mosquitoes fly. Diatomaceous earth does not typically work well for any flying pests, simply for crawling pests. Mosquitoes don’t know the difference of diatomaceous earth or dirt, but they don’t really land on the ground where the diatomaceous earth would be. The best mosquito control is found at Done Right Pest Solutions: 651-342-9489.
Ticks can be affected by diatomaceous earth, however, ticks also have hard bodies and so the diatomaceous earth would not be as effective for treating your yard for ticks with it. The best tick control is found at Done Right Pest Solutions: 651-342-9489.
Diatomaceous earth may not be killing your fleas if they aren’t walking over top of the diatomaceous earth. This is why it is important to know pest behavior and habits prior to application of any pest control or natural product. Check out our Expert Advice on Flea Control or contact a professional today at 651-342-9489.
If you’re wondering where you can buy diatomaceous earth for fleas, I would NOT recommend it.
If you are wondering if you can rub diatomaceous earth on your dog or how often to use diatomaceous earth on cats: I would not advise rubbing diatomaceous earth on your dog or any pets, or yourself for that matter. Diatomaceous earth can cause skin irritation and issues, and we wouldn’t want this for you or your pets.
If you are wondering which diatomaceous earth is safe for dogs, the answer is that you can add small amounts of food-grade diatomaceous earth to your pets food to prevent any stored product pests from infesting the dry food.
If you have fleas in the yard, we would recommend you sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your yard for fleas. If you have fleas in your house, the easiest and cheapest way to treat for fleas is to vacuum, everyday, several times per day. You don’t even need diatomaceous earth. Once you get your pet treated for fleas, just start vacuuming. Learn more in our article Expert Advice on Flea Control.
If you must use diatomaceous earth for fleas, lightly sprinkle it around the baseboards where you are experiencing the fleas. But for more discussion prior to self-treatment, please call now: 651-342-9489.
If you have fleas in the yard, we would recommend you sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your yard for fleas. If you have fleas in your house, the easiest and cheapest way to treat for fleas is to vacuum, everyday, several times per day. You don’t even need diatomaceous earth. Once you get your pet treated for fleas, just start vacuuming. Learn more in our article Expert Advice on Flea Control.
If you must use diatomaceous earth for fleas, lightly sprinkle it around the baseboards where you are experiencing the fleas. But for more discussion prior to self-treatment, please call now: 651-342-9489.
Licensed and professional pest control exterminators are educated to know all about insects and rodents, what their habits are, what their life-cycle is, where they like to travel, etc. Because diatomaceous earth could only be placed in the areas you see the pests, but the pest source could be hidden in the wall, for example, the diatomaceous earth would not solve the whole pest issue.
Licensed pest control exterminators are educated on chemical products that are routinely tested and modified and adapted to be the most effective method of pest eradication and control. Because the chemical products come in concentrated form, any diatomaceous earth placed would negate the professional products used. That is why we always have folks who have used diatomaceous earth clean it up upon hiring us.
Diatomaceous earth is deadly to insects that walk over top of it due to its sharp, abrasive edges that cut the insect and the absorbent component that draws fats and oils out of the insect, essentially killing it. Diatomaceous earth is only deadly to insects that walk over top of it and it will not solve the whole pest issue.
Diatomaceous earth should be applied around the foundation of your house after every rain event (once the foundation is dry).
Because roaches live in the wall voids, I do not recommend using diatomaceous earth for roaches. Diatomaceous earth may kill the roaches that walk over top of the powder, but not all will walk over the powder. They also breed rapidly, so using diatomaceous earth to treat for roaches would be a losing battle.
No. Diatomaceous earth would only kill insects that walk over top of the powder. Diatomaceous earth will not treat, kill, or repel rodents.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the safest kind for residential use. However, I typically do not recommend self-treating any pest issue. For more information, check out our section on the Top 4 Pests Diatomaceous Earth is Effective Against.
Diatomaceous earth is not a pesticide; it is microscopic abrasive shards of fossilized algae. Pesticides are chemicals tested and approved to kill specific insects.
No, bugs do not eat diatomaceous earth. Bugs would walk over it, like it were dirt, but really it is microscopic abrasive shards of fossilized algae that kills them by cutting them and absorbing their fats and oils.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is the best option if you are using diatomaceous earth for pest control. We recommend storage in the garage, on a shelf, or in the basement/cellar on a shelf. You can keep it in the bag it came in or transfer it to a storage container.
There you have it! 42 of the internet’s most frequently asked questions regarding using diatomaceous earth for pest control. We hope you found the information very helpful. Not everything you read on the internet about pests is true. It’s best to talk to a professional today, or a couple of them. Compare service offerings and pricing to find the best deal.
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Conclusion And Next Steps
We hope you enjoyed our Ultimate Guide to Using Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control!
By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of diatomaceous earth and its versatile applications in pest control. We’ve explored the two main types of diatomaceous earth, highlighting their differences and appropriate uses. You’ve learned about the four primary residential uses and the top three reasons why diatomaceous earth is considered an effective pest control solution for simple pest issues.
We’ve emphasized the importance of safety with basic measures to protect yourself and your loved ones while using diatomaceous earth. Our application tips have equipped you with practical advice to maximize its effectiveness, and we’ve identified the top four pests that diatomaceous earth can effectively combat.
However, like any pest control method, diatomaceous earth comes with serious considerations. Being aware of these concerns and implementing the top four precautionary measures will help ensure safe and effective use. The three little-known facts about diatomaceous earth have provided additional insights, enriching your knowledge about this natural product.
Finally, our extensive FAQ section has addressed many common questions and concerns, ensuring you have the information needed to use diatomaceous earth confidently and effectively.
Diatomaceous earth offers a natural, non-toxic alternative to conventional pest control methods, and we recommend using it sparingly, if needed. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this guide, you can safely and effectively utilize diatomaceous earth to maintain a fairly pest-free yard and garden. Thank you for taking the time to learn about this remarkable product. Here’s to a cleaner, safer, and pest-free environment with the help of diatomaceous earth!
To talk to an expert today, feel free to call or text us at 651-342-9489 or email us at donerightpestsolutions@gmail.com.
We look forward to helping you with all of the difficult-to-solve pest issues.
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Done Right Team
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